having then different gifts, according to the respective favour bestowed upon us; if it be prophecy, let him prophesy according to the proportion of his gift.

for to one the spirit gives the knowledge of the prophetical writings; to another the same spirit gives the knowledge of the doctrines of religion;

Grace

upon me, who am the meanest of all christians, is this favour bestowed, that I should proclaim to the Gentiles the undiscoverable advantages by Christ;

Invested then with such a commission, I beseech you let not the offers of divine favour be made to you in vain.

as good economists of the different dispensations of God, communicate to one another the gifts you have receiv'd.

The measure

if so be you have heard of the charge, which God has graciously dispens'd to me for you Gentiles;

for he whom God hath sent, saith nothing but what is divine: for God hath given him the spirit without restriction.

Now it is by virtue of my apostolical commission, that I charge every man among you, not to entertain too high an opinion of himself; but modestly consider, that 'tis God who has dealt to every man his proportion of spiritual gifts.

I will not boast of any thing done without my province, but confine myself within that line by which God has mark'd out my bounds, and in which you are included.

General references

now to particular men the spirit gives particular gifts, that they may be displayed to greater advantage.